Active adult communities in the Palm Springs area are located in a desert oasis that continues to draw vacationers and retirees year after year. This Southern California hot spot features a variety of recreational activities, including world-renowned golf courses, hiking trails with breathtaking views, unique shopping centers, fine restaurants, and many cultural attractions. Active adult communities in the Palm Springs area feature resort-style amenities in a beautiful climate.

Climate & Geography

Set in the Coachella Valley in Southern California, age-restricted communities in the Palm Springs area are surrounded by mountains: San Bernardino Mountains to the north, Little San Bernardino Mountains to the east, the Santa Rose Mountains to the south, and the San Jacinto Mountains to the west. The area lies approximately two hours east of Los Angeles and about two-and-a-half hours northeast of San Diego. Palm Springs is also just west of the sprawling Joshua Tree National Park and southwest of the San Bernardino National Forest.

The Palm Springs area is a true desert with a hot, dry climate and little rain. Temperatures in the summer can rise upwards of 105 degrees during the day, and often stay over 80 degrees at night. Yet the winters in Palm Springs are a comfortable 70 to 80 degrees, dropping to the mid-40s in the evenings. Active adult communities in the Palm Springs area delight in the 300 days of sunshine per year and annual rainfall that s less than five inches. This makes a Palm Springs area 55+ community an ideal location for a winter getaway.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Tourism is the largest part of the Palm Springs area's economy, and as a result the area is teeming with fabulous resorts, shopping centers, restaurants and recreational attractions. Active adult communities in the Palm Springs area also have a significant part-time population. Nearly half of the population of the Palm Springs area is only there for a few months out of the year. Yet, the atmosphere in Palm Springs is different than that of other desert hot spots, such as the bustling Las Vegas Strip. Though home to a variety of posh resorts, the Coachella Valley embraces a laid-back, family-friendly attitude that is appealing to many active adults.

Golf is a major attraction in Palm Springs, hosting more golf courses than anywhere else in California. With over 100 golf courses in the Coachella Valley, including both private and public courses, active adults in the Palm Springs area are sure to find their own favorites. One of the most impressive golf courses in the Palm Springs area, The Golf Club at La Quinta, is located within the Trilogy at La Quinta active adult community. This 18-hole championship course has been a stop on the 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 PGA Tour.

Hiking is a popular pastime for active adults in the Palm Springs area, as are tours by horseback, jeep or mountain bike. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway provides amazing mountain views from its rotating tram cars. Local hot air balloon rides are available as well. While those who are more adventurous may opt to take in the views while hang-gliding or skydiving.

When relaxation is the goal, Palm Springs has everything to put sun-lovers at ease. Whether vacationing at one of the area's luxurious hotels or relocating to one of the resort-style active adult communities in the Palm Springs area, it's easy to find a sunny poolside deck under an azure sky. Spas are also plentiful throughout Palm Springs, offering rejuvenating massages and revitalizing mineral soaks.

Intimate boutiques, fine restaurants, and cultural attractions are found at every turn. Downtown Palm Springs' weekly VillageFest street fair offers an assortment of artisan crafts. Performing arts and seasonal festivals are also popular throughout Palm Springs. Active adults who choose to live in a Palm Springs 55+ community will particularly enjoy the venerated Palm Springs Follies, a celebration of the arts, music, and culture of the 40 s, 50 s and 60 s.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Considering Southern California s reputation as an expensive retirement destination, 55+ communities in the Palm Springs area enjoy a cost of living that s generally lower than the rest of the state. On average, 55+ communities in Palm Springs spend 13% less on their homes, transportation, and utilities than their counterparts throughout the state, although the Palm Springs area is roughly 13% more expensive than the rest of the United States. 55+ communities in the Palm Springs area can also enjoy California s tax benefits. These include untaxed Social Security benefits, options for property tax relief, and a $7,000 reduction in the taxable value of a property.

Healthcare

Active adult communities in the Palm Springs area enjoy proximity to several hospitals. Desert Regional is consistently ranked as the Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News. Living in age-restricted communities in the Palm Springs area also means that you have access to Eisenhower Medical Center, which is nationally ranked for geriatric treatment. Residents also have the John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, the San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital, and the Hi-Desert Medical Center just outside of Palm Springs.